My HO model railroad "empire" is currently 'dead-in-the-water' because of a failed Digitrax DB150 "Command Center"; I have to wait until the people at Digitrax return to work next week in order to attempt resolution (returning the unit for replacement). In the meantime, I am thinking that I might need a sort of back-up for the future. My previous experience with DC was that it was reliable, block wiring, etc. notwithstanding. And since I am the only operator with 3 locos right now, might it behoove me to invest in a DC power supply-rehostat control system? Do such dual-mode (DC & DCC) systems exist? Who manufactures a reliable DC system? Is a minimum of 5 amps required?
Thanx, G' Flash
If you don't have any auto-reversers you can just unhook your DCC command station, and hook up a DC controller. You'll only be running one trail at a time, but that's better than zero! No need for 5A, just enough to run the train. Just make sure when you get the command station back you disconnect the DC controller before you reconnect the DCC.
Jeff But it's a dry heat!
Just out of curiosity, what went wrong with your DB150??
Another option would be to pick up a low-end DCC system, like a Bachmann EZ Command. This will give you DCC functionality, but with the limits of that system. Still, it's better than going all the way back to DC.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
You can pickup a used EZ Command for about $50.00 off of ebay. I know some people who have done that.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
My opinon is that MRC makes some of the best DC systems today. My experience with MRC DC powerpacks is that they are extremely reliable and quite powerful. Depending on how much you want to spend on your backup, you can get a good MRC tech II or tech IV series transformer for $20-$30 online, your LHS, or a train show. These transformers will probably power 2-3 HO scale locos depending on the specific model. If you are looking for a bigger backup system, a MRC 6200 Trainpower transformer will run popably 7-8 loco's at a time (I don't know, I've never been able to overload mine). These also have a "mode" switch that you can use to power g-scale trains. They run about $70-$100 depending on where you shop. My main control system is DC so I run an MRC Control Master 20, which is one of their largest transformers, and have had no problems with it. If I do however I have several backup's ready to take it's place on the layout.
Good Luck on getting your layout back on track,
Jamie
Cape Vincent Southern Railroad
HO scale Horseshoe Curve in 5’x10’
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If your that concerned about your system failing again in the future maybe you ought to get rid of it and buy a system that you have more confidence in. Using a DC power supply as a back up is like taking a giant leap backwards, your in DCC stay in DCC as others have said pick up a good used dcc system like a Bachmann or an MRC prodigy express for less then $100 but what does it say about us that we need to have a back up system for our trains. For me personally there is nothing that pressing or important on my railaord if don't run it for a couple of weeks. There is plenty of other work to do on it all the time.